Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., spoke to the graduating class at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) on May 13, 2016. The Secretary noted that community colleges like MATC are creating paths to opportunity for so many students across the country each day, and he encouraged the graduating class to pay forward the benefit of the higher education they have received by mentoring others and serving their communities.

Secretary of Education John King celebrated the achievements of the class of 2016 at the commencement ceremony of Florida A & M University on April 30, 2016. He encouraged the graduates to live a life of purpose, saying that the fight for civil rights continues today. He told them that the nation needs their wisdom and knowledge and commitment to solve its problems and advance its ideals.

Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., delivered remarks at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education for every student in America. The Secretary highlighted the benefits of a rich and rigorous education that engages students, allowing them to discover interests and aptitudes in the arts, sciences, world languages, and many other critical subjects.

Secretary of Education John King spoke about the role postsecondary education plays in ensuring society is equitable, healthy, and high-functioning. He also urged colleges and universities to reimagine higher education, including providing ambitious standards of access, affordability, and completion.

In a speech to the California Association for Bilingual Education, Secretary of Education John King discussed the benefits that bilingual and multilingual students bring to our nation's classrooms. To overcome 21st century challenges, everyone – from federal, state, and local governments, to community-based organizations, to schools and districts – must be diligent about preparing students equipped with the skills they need to be college- and career-ready.

Thank you, Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Murray, and members of the Committee for welcoming me here today. I am humbled and honored to appear before you as President Obama's nominee for education secretary.

I am proud to be here today with my wife, Melissa, and our two wonderful daughters, Amina and Mireya.

Good afternoon. I'm John King, Acting U.S. Secretary of Education. It's wonderful to be here today. What an amazing place this is—it's incredible to think that this was once an abandoned rec center in downtown Baltimore. Today, the Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center is a public makerspace, with a focus on giving disadvantaged youth the resources and the tools to tinker, create and learn. It's a place where kids can be kids—and also scientists, builders, engineers and coders.